The film “TeraForma” was screened at the Cinematheque of Macedonia as part of the Spring Ecoscop edition of the Network of Festivals from the Adriatic Region, emphasizing environmental themes on Earth Day. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with ecology expert Hannes Jeckl and Gjorgji Mitrevski, coordinator of the river protection program at “Eco-svest.”
The film tells the story of Ascension Island, a volcanic island transformed into a tropical paradise through “terraforming,” raising questions about the future of man-made landscapes and their impact on our understanding of nature. The film suggests that this seemingly paradisiacal environment may be a mirage reflecting ambition and a distorted view of the world.
Jeckl highlighted the success of the “Generalka Weekend” environmental awareness project, which has grown significantly over the past five years, now involving 81 municipalities and 45,000 volunteers. He expressed optimism that Macedonia could be free of garbage by 2031 and announced an upcoming cleanup action at the Aqueduct on May 9th.
Jeckl emphasized the importance of artistic influence in promoting environmental awareness, arguing that “terraforming” affects not only the environment but also society. He believes that people have become disconnected from their country due to waste and pollution, and that projects like the film screening and IFFK Brothers Manaki are crucial for inspiring positive change.
Mitrevski emphasized the importance of collaboration with artists and cultural centers to communicate environmental messages effectively. He highlighted the unique value of the rivers in the Balkans, including Macedonia, as some of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe. He noted that while Switzerland has over 3,600 small hydropower plants and no free-flowing rivers, Macedonia is a stronghold of pristine river ecosystems.
Mitrevski promotes citizen science, engaging the public in river monitoring and combining science, art, and community engagement to protect nature. He stated that art and culture are powerful tools for raising environmental awareness.
The film will be available online for a week on the ondemand platform.